NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz on DeAndre Jordan Fallout, Joe Johnson and More
The 2015 NBA free-agency period produced an enormous amount of veteran movement around the Association, sending some big-ticket players to new destinations for the coming season. While the first week of this process certainly produced some unexpected results, the biggest surprise came just hours before players were finally able to ink their new deals.
On Wednesday night, ESPN.com reported that coveted big man DeAndre Jordan, who had previously agreed to a four-year max deal with the Dallas Mavericks, suddenly changed his mind and decided to re-up with the Los Angeles Clippers on a similar deal. Mark Cuban must be fuming.
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So, in the wake of what may be the biggest shock of the early offseason, many Dallas fans are left wondering what the team's Plan B will be going forward. Let's take a look at who the Mavericks are looking at to replace Jordan, followed by a few other interesting rumors from around the Web.
Mavericks' Plan B
After being spurned by Jordan, the Mavericks quickly needed to get the ball rolling with another big man who could make an impact in the center of their frontcourt. At this point of free agency, pickings are slim; however, the team is rumored to have interest in at least two players.
Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops reported former Houston Rocket Josh Smith is on Dallas' radar:
The 6'9" Smith wouldn't be a direct replacement for Jordan—he doesn't have the size to hold up at center—but he'd add some much-needed depth to the team's frontcourt as another shooting option. Last season, Smith averaged 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for the Rockets while shooting 43.8 percent from the floor.
NBA.com's David Aldridge tweeted another possibility for the Mavericks, and this one seems to be a direct response to missing out on Jordan:
Kevin Seraphin is a natural center at 6'10" and 278 pounds. He proved he can hold up on the interior in small doses last season with the Washington Wizards, coming off the bench to average 6.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 51.3 percent from the floor.
Neither of these players will make up for the impact Jordan would have had in Dallas, and this team still has plenty of glaring holes heading into the new season. The possibility of the team making another trip to the playoffs is suddenly very much in jeopardy.
Joe Johnson Trade Update
The Brooklyn Nets have been shopping veteran small forward Joe Johnson this offseason. That hasn't been a secret by any stretch of the imagination. The Nets are looking to offload Johnson's massive $24.9 million salary he's due this season, making him the second-highest paid player in the NBA, behind Kobe Bryant.
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported the updates on two potential landing spots for the 14-year veteran:
"All quiet on the Joe Johnson trade front. The Nets had preliminary talks with the Grizzlies and Cavaliers about a deal, but those talks went nowhere, per a source. Brooklyn did speak to Cleveland last week but its most recent conversation wasn't about Johnson—it was about acquiring Sasha Kaun, the 30-year old Russian center who is interested in playing in the NBA next season. Cleveland owns Kaun's rights; Brooklyn is interested in acquiring them.
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From what Mannix is reporting, it appears as though a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies many no longer be in play at all. As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, there's still hope. The Cavaliers have been rumored to be in the mix for Johnson since just after the start of free agency, and the team apparently has a trade chip that is piquing Brooklyn's interest.
At 30 years of age, Kaun could be a rotational asset for the Nets. He's played well for CSKA Moscow and is coming off the best season of his career after averaging 9.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 69.1 percent from the floor. He can also be had at a relatively inexpensive price for a team looking to rebuild.
As for Cleveland, the team can take on Johnson's contract and gain some depth in the frontcourt as they attempt to make another run to the NBA Finals. Last season, Johnson averaged 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 43.5 percent from the floor and 35.9 percent from downtown.
Suns Looking to Offload Morris?
Rumors regarding a potential trade for guard Eric Bledsoe have run rampant around the Web since the start of the free-agency period; however, he may not be the focus of a trade in the desert. According to a tweet from Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Phoenix Suns are actually looking to deal Markieff Morris instead:
Morris was very productive for the Suns last season, averaging 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 46.5 percent from the floor. Due to the interest around the league in free agents such as Jordan and LaMarcus Aldridge, we can speculate that there will still be teams looking to acquire a power forward.
However, one thing that could put a damper on a possible deal is Morris' aggravated assault charges following an incident in January. The case is still pending, and if a potential suitor feels there will be backlash from the judicial system or the NBA, it could make a trade rather difficult. This will certainly be a situation to monitor.
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.jpg?w=600 "Offseason Moves for Every Team 👉")